HYPREP: We’ll complete shoreline clean-up, mangrove restoration of Ogoni land in 2025

The project coordination office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says a significant number of projects in Ogoni land will be completed in this year.

A statement on Friday by Nenibarini Zabbey, the project coordinator, outlined HYPREP’s plans, which include soil and groundwater remediation, shoreline clean-up and mangrove restoration.

“Others are constructing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, Ogoni Power Project, potable water schemes and various livelihood packages,” he said.

Zabbey noted that a socio-economic study of Ogoniland would also commence, alongside intensified research into the West African bloody cockle spat production and field stocking trials to support local livelihoods.

He said HYPREP will begin a three-year public health study, focusing on human bio-monitoring in the second quarter of 2025.

Additional initiatives include characterising high-risk sites for remediation, conducting a carbon stock assessment of mangrove restoration areas, and pursuing accreditation for Ogoni mangroves.

“The research will produce a robust blueprint for the post-cleanup socio-economic development of Ogoni,” he said.

“Similarly, a three-year comprehensive public health (human bio-monitoring) study of the Ogoni people will start by the second quarter.

“Thus, we are confident that these new projects will create additional jobs and enhance the capacity of Ogoni youth and women through well-thought-out recruitment training and hands-on learning.

“We shall also thoroughly characterise the high-risk, complex sites leading to remediation execution.

“Correspondingly, we will conduct a carbon stock assessment of mangrove restoration shorelines, commence the RAMSAR accreditation of Ogoni mangroves.

“Achieving the 2025 goals of the Ogoni clean-up requires strong visibility, linkages and partnership.

“We shall continue to communicate lessons learned, seek your input and process our data to knowledge products to advance the knowledge and practice of hydrocarbon remediation.’’

Zabbey praised the federal government’s dedication to the cleanup efforts, highlighting the release of over 300 postgraduate scholarships for Ogoni youths — 100 for PhD candidates and 200 for masters students.